Proctor eyes return to Scotland

After a two-year stint in Canada the defender wants to return home

St Leonards footballer David Proctor is eyeing a return to Scottish football after his two-year stint in Canada came to an end.

The former Inverness Caley Thistle and Dundee United defender moved to North America with his wife Rhona in 2012, but after two seasons in the North American Soccer League (NASL) with FC Edmonton the 30-year-old is returning home in a bid to find a new club for next season.

Proctor’s contract with the Eddies has not been renewed and after a couple of failed moves to American sides, Proctor is keen to get home and revealed he has already been in talks with a Scottish club.

He told the News: “In the NASL, each team is only allowed a certain number of foreigners in the squad and, unfortunately, the manager wanted to give the foreigner spot I was taking up to someone else.

“It’s disappointing as I had played most of the games in the second part of the season.

“I then had two moves fall through to teams in the USA, so Rhona and I decided it would be best to head back to Scotland.

“It will be difficult for Rhona as she is enjoying her job out here and made lots of friends, but we’re both looking forward to seeing family and friends back in East Kilbride.

“If something came up elsewhere that we couldn’t refuse it would be silly not to consider it, but my most likely destination will be Scotland.

“I’ve spoken to one manager in the Scottish Championship so we will see what happens.”

The NASL splits into ‘Spring’ and ‘Fall’ seasons with the best teams from each season playing off at the end of the year for the championship title.

The new Spring campaign is well under way with Edmonton in the bottom half of the 10-team table after seven games.

In the last ‘Fall’ season, the Eddies failed to reach the play-offs, but Proctor was proud of his record at the club and leaves Canada with fond memories.

He added: “We missed out on the play-offs having drawn so many games, but on a personal note I was happy to play my part in the team with the best defensive record in the league.

“The highlight for me was scoring the equaliser away to New York Cosmos in the 90th minute to draw 1-1 back in October. Cosmos had ex-Spanish international Marcos Senna running the midfield that day, so that was a big result.

“Overall, though, I’ve loved my time in Canada. It’s been a great experience, especially flying to the USA every second week for away games.

“I’ll head to Scotland for good next month or so, and will have a clearer idea where I will be playing next season.”